Which Is Better: Panang Curry or Massaman Curry?

Without a sure, all curries are delicious. Not everyone will like all of the kinds, but those who enjoy a certain sort of curry do so for a reason. So what is the difference between panang curry and massaman curry?

Thai red curry is said to be the hottest, while Penang is thought to be sweeter than red curries, and what about massaman curry? That’s also a sweet curry you should try.

Penang (also Panang) curry resembles the iconic red curry but differs somewhat from massaman curry.

Panang and Massaman, on the other hand, are all part of Thai cuisine, with massaman hailing from Southern Thailand, near the country’s border with Malaysia.

What is Panang Curry?

Panang is a Thai curry that is often thicker and sweeter than other Thai curries. It is said to have arrived in Thailand from Laos.

This curry is created using Penang curry paste, which is a coconut cream, peanut, and fragrant spice combination.

Because of the coconut cream utilized, Panang curry is often thicker than other varieties of Thai curries.

Nonetheless, Panang curry appears so similar to red curry because the paste is created with numerous dried red chilies.

Shallots, galangal, garlic, kaffir lime rind, lemongrass, coriander root, shrimp paste, salt, and white pepper are also used to make Penang curry paste.

While some Europeans add peanuts to Panang curry to increase the flavor and taste, using peanuts in Penang curry is not conventional in Thailand. The earliest Penang curry variant goes back to 1890.

What is Massaman Curry?

The Massaman curry, which is also part of Thai cuisine, is the least common variety of Thailand curry. It is mostly known as an Islam-inspired curry. Yet, it tastes fantastic and can compete with Penang curry in terms of flavor.

Many individuals are perplexed as to where Massaman curry originated. Some people claim that this dish originated in Malaysia rather than Thailand. Nonetheless, Massaman curry originates in southern Thailand, near to the Malaysian border.

This curry is said to be an Islam-inspired curry since it is cooked using beef or lamb rather than pork.

Dried red chilies, white pepper, cloves, shallots, galangal, garlic, lemongrass, cumin, and other fragrant herbs are used to make the paste.

Some chefs may include cinnamon, nutmeg, and white cardamom, which are unusual spices for a Thai curry. Nonetheless, Massaman curry is often thicker and milder than other Thai curries, with a sweet flavor.

How Does Panang Curry Differ From Massaman Curry?

The main distinction between these two varieties of Thai curries is that Massaman curry cannot be cooked with pig, whilst Panang curry can.

Additionally, nutmeg is sometimes used in Massaman curry, which is an uncommon ingredient for Thai curries.

Panang curry, on the other hand, may incorporate peanuts and coconut cream, making the dish more sweeter and thicker than Massaman.

How Are They Similar?

The majority of the components used to make Penang curry paste are also used to make Massaman curry paste. These dishes may also be prepared using peanuts.

Depending on the quantity of red chilies used, the appearance of Massaman and Penang curry might be quite similar.

Panang Curry Vs Massaman Curry: Which is Better?

In general, the flavor of a meal is determined by two factors: the person who prepared the food and the person who ate the meal.

That said, the Penang curry may be the greatest for certain curry fans, while others favor Massaman.

Yet, based on the appearance of both curries, the Penang curry seems thicker and hotter than the Massaman curry. Nonetheless, Massaman curry is often sweeter and more flavorful than Penang curry.

The two curries are tasty, healthful, sweet (with somewhat distinct flavors), and may be used interchangeably. Absolutely, Penang curry may be used in place of Massaman curry.

Where Can You Buy These Curries?

Despite the fact that they are both components of Thai cuisine, you may get any (or both) of these curries at cosmopolitan restaurants in foreign cities.

You may also purchase the ingredients, produce the paste, and make your own Panang or Massaman curry. Curry meals prepared using handmade pastes may taste better.